Short-Term Consequences of Incomplete Resection of an Echinococcal Cyst of the Lung

Lung cystic echinococcosis (CE) is often diagnosed incidentally, and its clinical manifestations vary depending on the cyst's location and size. The most common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, expectoration of endocyst fragments, and hemoptysis. Surgery is the primary treatment, while medical therapy plays a minor role. However, failure to completely remove the cyst can lead to disease recurrence and complications such as bronchial fistula. We report the case of a 33-year-old shepherd from Italy, who presented with recurrent hemoptysis. Imaging revealed a large pulmonary cyst in the right upper lobe. The patient underwent thoracotomy with atypical lung resection, but residual parasitic tissue remained, leading to recurrent hemoptysis, arterial hypertrophy, and bronchial fistula. Management required reoperation. Postoperative histology confirmed residual echinococcal tissue. The patient was discharged on prolonged albendazole therapy and remains under follow-up.